School's In!

Sir W, Mr. Handsome ready to attend Grade 1. How did this happen? He's tall and all school boyish and my first baby is long gone. So much so, that I am not allowed to kiss him at school. "It's embarrassing! No one else's mom kiss them." Gaaa! Well, let me tell you little Mr., I'll be kissing you forever so pucker up.

Hey! Friends from summer camp and kindergarten. What a nice surprise. This made it even easier to wait outside among the throng of children and parents. I must say it was adorable to witness that childhood excitement of seeing old friends.

...and off he goes, with the crowd of grade ones.

All seven classes of them!

Brave and shy at the same time.

I am so proud!

Blue Lily Sneak Peek

At the beginning of August we had the pleasure of being photographed by Blue Lily.

What was originally intended to be a family shoot became a summer celebration shoot....one little brain surgery star and one little almost 6yrs star and their momma.

B the D was off location for work purposes so hence the change in the shoot.

Buuuuut.....that's okay because this way we have a little surprise for him. A lovely portrait of his trio to grace his desk at work....to take our smiling faces with him wherever he goes.

Wendy of Blue Lily was fantastic! Her manner with the children and I...amazing. I liken her to Glinda the Good Witch from the Wizard of Oz. Seriously!

If only I could channel Glinda....or Wendy....how much happier my boys would be! ;)

Not to ignore how fun to wear such foofy dresses in the everyday. Oh! I would be the talk of the playground! How fun!

A Housewife's Accessory

Recently I was gifted this cute, cute, ca-uuuute apron.

Thank you Mrs. Cornberg! You are truly thoughtful. How did you know it was "me"?! Well, you all probably do know I like a little vintage fun.

I wear it with pride. It's adorable and fun and makes me happy.

Maybe a little too happy?

As one morning, I wore it to a Developmental Pediatrician appointment. By accident. Oy-vay!

Do you feel the need for a little happy, sassafrass, vintage-esque accessory in your homemaking, housewifing, mothering day? Well, look no further. Sugar Baby Aprons will put a smile in your kitchen. And....they are local to Calgary. Can't go wrong with that!

This self portrait below is terrible....as usual....but I had to include it as Bup's leg-hugging entrance was too cute...and typical Bup.

Mr. 6

Sir W is now Mr. 6yrs of Age.

Blow me away, I say!

This coming of age brings many milestones like....

....hand-over-handing across the monkey bars (with an ease that I never achieved!)

....riding a 2 wheeler....with balance and speed and not one spill, crash or tear

....the intense wish to give his brother to another family (*sigh* another post, another day)

.....the attitude of a 16yr old!

.....the vocabulary of a 16 yr old!

....Grade 1!

....deep discussions about God and being real, as in W being real.

....an aversion to kisses from his mother.

....two lost teeth and toothfairy visits.

....loves all things skulls, ancient Egypt, lego, Star Wars, the great outdoors and ..... snuggling with his mom. (Yes!)

This Little Doodle...

A dog for the boys, specifically W, has been on my mind for quite some time....at least a year. W is so incredibly gentle with pets. Plus he gets so much from them. Is there anything like the unconditional love from an animal, the respect they teach, and the calming presence they have? I wanted this for W. A boy needs a dog to grow up with.

So, last fall we tried and it did not work out. After an unprovoked bite we sadly gave Tina, the sweet little grey back to the rescue foundation that brought her up from Oklahoma.

Take two....

This little fellow found his way into our lives and hearts. He's a quiet, calm, family raised Labradoodle that is the perfect fit to our home.

Plus he doesn't shed! Curly boy! How great is that?! I wish he didn't poop. Well....not truly, but you know what I mean!

Maybe I just wish Bup would quit stepping in it.

Anyway....

Benson is quickly becoming Bup's dog. Yes, W loves him and he sleeps in W's room, in his kennel, at night as this helps W to not be scared of the dark. Wuhoo!

Witnessing Bup and Benson become buddies is fun and heartwarming. They play and play throughout the day. Everytime Bup goes outside he takes Benson with him. They play tug of war, ball, chase, etc. It's adorable. Bup happily feeds him. Benson patiently endures Bup's bossiness. I think R is enjoys having someone to boss around.

Now to convince W that he can earn money by cleaning up the Benson Bombs in the backyard!

Say a Little Prayer

Photo source: Lanier Landing

This dimpled cutie has just come through one of the most strenuous weeks of his precious life. Our interblogging friend, Miss Southern Steph, has the cutest son who happens to be a TSC Champion too. Little Oliver just came through grids and neuro surgery to eliminate the seizure monsters.

Photo source: Lanier Landing

Now the healing begins. Pain control, snuggles, neuro pysch testing, incisions, iv's, meds, CT scans, keeping an active toddler preoccupied and safely busy, and hopefully no seizures!

Say a little prayer won't you? Keep them in your thoughts? It's a difficult time and every kind thought however fleeting is heard and affects the heart.

A Family of Friends....

I should have taken pictures...and kick myself for not doing so. Especially of B making pancakes with a set of tiny blonde 4 yr old girlies, on a stool, in an apron, seriously intent on making the best Elmo pancakes ever.

On Friday night we had the pleasure of hosting a long-time friend and her little troop. Now bear with me while I explain...it's an intertwined group...and they are dear friends...a chosen family of friends.

Miss T and I grew up in the same small rural village and her older brother (Mr.T) and I were in the same class therefore I was very good friends with both of them and roommates too at different times.

Graduation with Trenty and our small, fun, class. Can you pick me out? Bet not!:)

Miss T her two sons, two nephews (Mr. T's sons) and two nieces joined our little family of 4 for an overnight visit. So, here we were;

8 kids - ages 4 (including 3 4yr olds)-13

2 dogs

3 adults

It was great! The kiddos got along well with very limited disagreements and it was quiet. Q-U-I-E-T! Lego does wonders to entertain boys and the girlies were easy to please as well. Dispite the quiet and happy little troop, my favorite husband made a break for it and hit the theatre by his lonesome. Smart guy! Having a full household is a bit of an adjustment after spending a month in the "bush". He handled all the hoopla better than I would have! Happy and totally included the little girls in his breakfast making. Super B!

Now, the additional point that made this visit so special is that Trenty , Mr.T, has left us....almost 2 yrs ago now. To have a little bit of him here, in his children, his sister and his niece was a blessing. A treat. Warmed my heart.

And brought missing my old friend to the forefront again...which is good as this is how those who leave us are not forgotten. I am so grateful to have spent a little time with his boys, sister and nephews and niece. Time well spent and treasured too.

Thanks Miss T, for including us in your whirlwind, cross province tour!